Pharmacogenetics:

Get Started on your Path to More Personalized Medications!

 

Pharmacogenetics is a relatively new field in healthcare, but it's gaining traction quickly. We've known for a long time that lifestyle and environment can have a big impact on health. As a result, the importance of doctor-patient communication about those things has been stressed for a long time. But recent advances in genetic research has shown that your genetic makeup can affect your health, too. So now, when we talk about "Personalized (precision) medicine",  we're talking about healthcare that fits your lifestyle, environment, and genetic makeup.  That means doctor-patient communication about genetic makeup is also important. And not just how the way your genetic makeup alters the risk of certain diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer. Talking openly about how your genetic makeup affects your response to medications should be part of the discussion too.

And that's Pharmacogenetics -- the study of how your individual genes affect your response to drugs.

What is pharmacogenetic testing?

Genetic testing for ancestry has been available since 1996, and genetic testing for health risks soon followed. Pharmacogenetic testing is different -- it's focused on how genes affect the way your body absorbs, uses, and eliminates medicines.  Imagine your doctor having information that makes it easier to choose the medication and dose that's right for you!. Your health might improve sooner; your risk of side effects may go down.

There are several types of pharmacogenetic tests available. Some are very specific, only testing for one specific enzyme. Others test for several enzymes or a broad spectrum of enzymes. Most pharmacogenetic testing is performed by healthcare professionals, and results interpreted by experts. More information about the different types of tests, including direct-to-consumer tests, is available here.

But here's the good news! BetterMyMeds has teamed up with OneOme, a leader in pharmacogenetic testing, to help you bring this valuable information to your doctor. OneOme's evidence-backed RightMed® Test provides genetic results for 27 genes. This information can help your doctor find which medications and dosages may work well for you.

How it works

  • Have your prescriber write an order for pharmacogenetic. A form can be downloaded here. Or simply ask your doctor to write a prescription for the RightMed® pharmacogenetics test. 

  • Bring the order to BetterMyMeds. Once you've purchased test kit we'll show you how to collect the sample. Then we'll seal the sample in protective packaging and send to the lab for assay.

  • Results will be returned to a BetterMyMeds for interpretation by a pharmacist certified in pharmacogenetic counseling.

  • Next, you'll have a Pharmacogenetic counseling session with your BetterMyMeds pharmacist. You'll get a copy of the test results and learn what they mean. We'll take into account the medications you're on now as well as medications you may need in the future.

  • Results will always be available in your patient portal at www.OneOme.com. You'll be able to review your results online at any time or download another copy of your report.

  • Your prescriber can be provided with a copy of your test results to keep in your medical record.

 

Submit this form to learn more about availability and pricing of PGx tests

Originally published August 18, 2018. Updated April 13, 2021